Odd and interesting times for Milan continue. The clearout, exodus or whatever that was this past summer is probably not yet a fading memory. Crying poor, whether legitimate or not (the European and Italian economy, good old UEFA Financial Fair Play, etc.) hurt and is hurting the team, some sports betting sites and the fans.

Fast forward to the January 2013 window and the winter mercato is yet another Jekyll and Hyde act. In the recent past Ibrahimovic and Robinho have appeared when it seemed no money was available. Then Maxi Lopez arrived when money seemed actually available for Tevez. Now Balotelli has arrived. Or may be it’s that money should be available this time. After all Pato was sold for a relatively decent amount and others like Robinho are still likely to leave sooner or later. Football transfers don’t ever seem to be about straight math anymore but the clearout and departures should have at least some net positive impact on the balance sheet.

We are now into the last hours of the winter mercato. The team has seemingly embarked on a youth movement, may be an Italian one, or may be even a ‘those playing in Italy’ (see Bartosz Salamon rumours) one. Riccardo Saponara a good prospect? The aforementioned Bartosz Salamon a much needed defenseman? But then what of Zaccardo, a long term arrival? Do we need forwards like Balotelli at all? Is a Kaka return still possible on the last day of the window?

More exciting times ahead. The balance the fans are curious to see is reducing the squad size while remaining a winning team. That is where balance is properly used.